By Juliet Buna
The Defence Headquarters says recent airstrikes carried out in North-West Nigeria reflect the Federal Government’s firm commitment to confronting terrorism through coordinated international partnerships.
In a statement released on Friday in Abuja, the Director of Defence Information, Major-General Samaila Uba, said the precision air operations were conducted by the Armed Forces of Nigeria in collaboration with the United States following credible intelligence on the presence of foreign terrorist elements linked to the Islamic State group.
According to Uba, the strikes were carefully planned and executed with the approval of relevant authorities, targeting terrorist enclaves while ensuring minimal harm to civilians and surrounding communities.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria, working jointly with the United States, successfully carried out precision strike operations against identified ISIS-affiliated foreign fighters operating in parts of North-West Nigeria,” he said.
He explained that the operation was part of ongoing efforts to weaken the operational capacity of terrorist groups and prevent them from gaining or expanding footholds within the country.
“These actions demonstrate the unwavering resolve of the Federal Government of Nigeria, alongside its strategic international partners, to confront transnational terrorism and safeguard national security,” Uba added.
The defence spokesman reaffirmed the military’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the country, stressing that security agencies would continue to work with local and international partners to restore lasting peace.
“The Armed Forces remain fully committed to defending Nigerians and supporting joint, inter-agency and international initiatives aimed at ensuring peace and stability nationwide,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that Nigeria maintains structured security and intelligence cooperation with several international partners, including the United States, in addressing terrorism and violent extremism.
In a separate statement signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the ministry said the collaboration includes intelligence sharing, strategic coordination and operational support, all conducted in line with international law and mutual respect for sovereignty.
The ministry emphasised that Nigeria’s counter-terrorism strategy prioritises the protection of civilians, national unity and the rights of all citizens, noting that terrorist violence against any group undermines Nigeria’s core values and global peace.
The statements followed remarks by United States President Donald Trump, who disclosed that U.S. forces had carried out strikes against Islamic State terrorists in North-Western Nigeria.
U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth also confirmed that the operation was conducted with the consent and cooperation of the Nigerian government.
The airstrikes occurred amid heightened security concerns, coming shortly after a deadly bomb attack on a mosque in Maiduguri, Borno State, which claimed five lives and left several others injured, in what authorities believe was a suicide bombing.
